Unarguably, one of the best things about Italy is the food. Of course, everyone knows about pizza and spaghetti but what about rare flavors of Italian gelato like watermelon or spicy chocolate? What about octopus salad and other indescribable dishes? Here is a list of some of my favorite foods from Italian cuisine:

1. Octopus Salad

Ask any chef and he or she will tell you: octopus is one tricky fish to fry. If you undercook it, the meat turns out rubbery. And if you overcook it, the meat turns rock hard. So getting that part right can be difficult. Once you do, octopus adds an exciting texture to a salad and the taste is even better if you add a little lemon.  

2. ​​Pastries (especially Napoleonkas!)

This list just wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Italy’s delicious pastries. Unlike Americans (sorry but it’s true), Italians know when to stop when sweets are too sweet. With just the right amount of creamy fluff and flaky crispness, their pastries are simply delectable. 

3. Pasta Sauce 

By far, the best reason Italian spaghetti and pasta dishes are so delicious is because their sauce is unreal. 

4. Mozzarella (& Other Cheeses)

Let me preface this by saying that the mozzarella you’ve had in America or wherever else is NOTHING like the real thing. Italian mozzarella is creamy and has the most delicious texture. Not only do Italians put it on their pizzas, they also eat it plain as a side dish to the main meal. If you like cheese, real Italian mozzarella is definitely something you should try. 

5. Horse Meat

I know it sounds awful, but honestly this has been the most delicious meat I have ever had the privilege to taste. Imagine a very, very lean steak which is much softer than your average beef. Horse is really tasty so my recommendation is never say never! 

6. Gelato

Italy isn’t famous for delicious ice cream for nothing — gelato really is all you think it will be and more. What’s great about real gelaterias is this: they actually make the flavors from the real thing. This means the watermelon-flavored gelato actually tastes like a watermelon and not the artificial flavor we Americans tend to associate as ‘watermelon.’

In other words, “The snozzberries taste like snozzberries!” The same goes for pistachio, spicy chocolate, lemon, hazelnut, you name the flavor. 

7. Prosciutto

If you like meat, a little prosciutto might be right up your alley. Prosciutto is ham that has been dry-cured and is typically cut into very thin slices and served uncooked (although there is also a cooked version). Commonly served on cantaloupe, this is a great appetizer or end to a delicious Italian meal. 

8. Fried Zucchini Flowers

Eating flowers sounds like something deer do right? Well I’m happy to be a deer then. Fried zucchini flowers are delicious and once you try one, you’ll feel like you can never eat enough. Trust me.